Hoyer Statement on August Jobs Report

WASHINGTON, DC – Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the Department of Labor released their jobs report for August:

"Today, we received word that our economy added 17,000 private-sector jobs in August. This marks the 18th straight month of private sector growth, and a rebound from the days, in early 2009, when we were losing hundreds of thousands of jobs per month. Nevertheless, there was no net job growth last month, and today's numbers are deeply disappointing to millions of unemployed Americans, as well as to all those concerned for the future of our economy.

"Americans expect and deserve a Congress that places its focus squarely on the work of job creation. Democrats have done so by pursuing the Make It In America plan, a legislative program designed to revive American industry and help American businesses succeed here, innovate here, and add jobs here. As part of this plan, we've proposed bipartisan policies like patent reform and a permanent R&D tax credit to spur innovation, a simplified corporate tax code, and investments in education and job training. But after eight months in the House majority, Republicans have yet to put forward a real jobs plan at all. Rather than developing the new ideas our economy needs, Republicans have only offered a reheated ideological agenda.

"With President Obama set to lay out his plan for job creation, and Members returning to Washington from their districts, it's time for both parties to come together on policies that can create the jobs Americans demand and help our nation regain its competitive edge."